Lecture Notes: The Second Opium War

Background: Causes of Discontent

• Post-First Opium War: China had been defeated and was expected to grant concessions to Britain, which hadn't been done.
• Trade Deficit: Britain had a large trade deficit with China due to high tea consumption.
• Opium Trade: The sale of Indian opium to China was crucial to balance British finances.
• Taiping Rebellion: This internal conflict in China saw rebel leaders destroying opium supplies, threatening British trade interests.

Trigger of the Second Opium War

• Seizure of Ship: In late 1856, the Chinese governor of Canton seized a ship registered in the British territory of Hong Kong, suspecting piracy.
• British Reaction: The British consul, Harry Parkes, advocated for war to make a name for himself.
• Military Action: Britain refused to return the sailors and shelled Canton, escalating tensions.

Political Climate

• British Parliament: Initially opposed further action, due to the mutiny in India in 1857.
• Prime Minister Palmerston: Called an election, campaigned on anti-China rhetoric, won, and proceeded with war.
• Alliances: France allied with Britain, while the US declared neutrality, and Russia refrained due to recovering from the Crimean War.

Course of the War

• Naval Superiority: British ironclad steamships dominated the Chinese wooden ships.
• Anglo-French Capture of Canton: In late 1857, forces captured the city and imprisoned governor Yi in India.
• Coastal Campaign: British and French navies proceeded up the Chinese coast, capturing forts.

Negotiations and Treaty of Tianjin (1858)

• Trade Rights: Treaty allowed France, Russia, US, and Britain trade and travel rights in China.
• US and Russia Involvement: Although non-combatants, they gained rights to ensure Chinese compliance.

Escalation and Treaty of Beijing (1860)

• Disruption in Beijing: Chinese kidnapped and tortured negotiators in 1859.
• Capture of Beijing: Anglo-French forces captured the city after defeating a Qing army at Pala Kow.
• Burning of Summer Palace: British forces looted and burned it in retaliation for executed envoys.
• Treaty of Beijing: Confirmed previous treaties, increased reparations, and ceded more territory to Russia and Britain.

Conclusion

• Nature of the War: Despite being called the "Second Opium War," the focus was on open trade and demonstrating European dominance over China.

Acknowledgments

• Special thanks to supporters of the show, including various patrons for their contributions.